I want to reiterate what was stated in Westonka News last week by thanking staff, parents and students for your cooperation, flexibility and efforts in getting our kids safely to and from school in difficult driving conditions these last couple of weeks. A special thanks is owed to our transportation staff for the skill and care demonstrated. 

It may not look or feel anything like spring right now, but nevertheless the end of the school year is fast approaching. 

Please read the Borg Report for some important news as we head into these final weeks. 

The Westonka School District and Jubilee Foods have partnered in an effort to help students and families make better nutritional choices.

Westonka's Wellness Committee worked with Jubilee to develop the Wellness Everyday 277 initiative, which involves identifying smart food choices at the Mound grocery store. Healthy food options are identified with a shelf label that reads "Wellness Everyday" along with the district's number "277." 

Mound Westonka High School social studies teacher Alan Hiebert is one of three area teachers nominated for Best High School Teacher through Lake Minnetonka Magazine's "Best of Lake Minnetonka" online reader's survey. 

The winner will be revealed at an awards ceremony Wednesday, May 29 at Carlson Center in Minnetonka.

The Mound Westonka Robotics Club competed in the Midwest Combat Robotics League Regional Competition April 13 and 14 at the Mall of America.

The Midwest Robotics League is a hands-on program for middle school, high school and college-aged students. The League was formed by the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association to encourage students to use their math, science and technology skills in a fun way.   

The Region 2AA Solo and Ensemble Contest was held on Friday, April 12 at Buffalo High School. The 34 Mound Westonka High School instrumentalists participating in 22 events walked away with eight Superiors for solos and 13 Superiors for ensembles.

"Our positive results were particularly encouraging, as this is the youngest group we've ever had participate," band director Gretchen Chilson said. More than 25 of the musicians representing the MWHS Band were freshmen and sophomores.  

All money raised is donated to Westonka ECFE and preschool programs. 

Buffalo High School was a busy place April 12 as ninth- through 12th-grade students prepared for the Region 2AA Solo & Ensemble Contest. 

High school musicians performed before adjudicators for ratings and constructive comments. Mound Westonka High School vocalists earned 11 Superior and 10 Excellent ratings, in addition to a "Best in Site" honor for senior Monica Shukle (pictured left).